The Gym Group PLC sees sales in line as punters return on

The Gym Group PLC (LSE:GYM) confirmed full-year revenues will be in line with expectations and said visits returned to pre-pandemic levels in January as customers vowed to get healthier in 2022. 

The nationwide operator of 202 “low-cost” 24/7, no contract gyms added Mark George, chief financial officer, will leave in July to take up the same role at Wickes Group PLC (LSE:WIX). 

Total membership grew 8% to 776,000 by 18 January, compared to 31 December. 

“January is the month when many people set new health and fitness goals and has always been an important trading period for The Gym Group,” Richard Darwin, chief executive, said. 

“We have been encouraged to see good levels of gym usage and new member acquisition so far this year,” he added. 

The company pocketed £106mln in sales in the year ended 31 December, up 31% from 2020. 

Weekly visits per member returned to pre-pandemic levels following Omicron disruption in December and early January. 

The group expects further improvements when work from home guidance is scrapped on 26 January.  

Referring to the CFO’s departure, Darwin said: “Since joining in 2018, Mark has evolved and strengthened the company’s finance function and successfully secured new bank and equity financing, ensuring that the business is well-placed to deliver its accelerated growth strategy.” A search for a replacement is underway.